Feeling Really Used.

[Dreamalittledream]

You don't have a contract!?! The risks of NOT having a contract far outweighs that of having one imo.

Haha...I swear I heard a collective 'gasp' when I read "...I don't have a contract...."

[5 Little Monkeys]

Haha, I thought the same dreamalittledream!!

My contract has definitely helped me FAR more than it's bit me in the butt!! I couldn't imagine working without one!

[bright sparks]

And it is for a lot of reasons that....I DON'T HAVE A CONTRACT!....I lay out my rules during interview.....don't like it....OUT! I had a family pull their nonsense on my once....I waited until Friday morning after they paid....when they came for pick up....that's when I said...by by....no monies owed....

But if you had a contract in the first place, in all likelihood, these people would pay you on time as they would be held to a signed agreement to do so. Because it is a verbal agreement, you will always get those parents who won't take your business as seriously and will not follow what you have asked of them. A written contract would eliminate far more issues that arise as a result of having no contract and working on verbal info only.

[sandylynn]

What is the biggest benefit in everyone's opinion....of having a contract .....

[mickyc]

No contract!! Omg!! You have nothing legally binding. I used to work in the legal field and trust me you need a contract for everything in life!

[babydom]

Sandylynn what if u provide care then come fri they don't pay? They run leave vanish. What can u do??? U can't go to court u can't do anything. Nothing was written or signed it's ur word against theirs. U could not get paid cuz there is nothing u can do if they didn't sign anything. What if they call cas and say u are unqualified say u would offer these hrs for them and this pay but now u are demanding this pay and sayin these hrs. What would u do? What can u do? Nothing. Word against word is a VERY dangerous game to play. I feel so much safer with signatures! Just my two cents. To each their own

[kindertime]

What is the biggest benefit in everyone's opinion....of having a contract .....

I think having a contract lends itself more if you are trying to work at this as a professional, as a business owner. I don't know if you look at yourself like that or not. If you choose to look after kids for fun and some extra cash, you may not want to impose a bunch of your 'rules' on those parents. If you are trying to stay casual, maybe you'll never want one.

But I completely agree with everyone else, though. I was one who gasped. A contract can only protect you as far as what's in it, but at least you have that. It outlines everone's responsibilities. What is expected of both parties and what is the consequence if those conditions are not met. When I worked as a nanny I never had a contract, never thought about it. But when I started my business, I made a contract.

And on a side note, as far as having an end date for the contract, IMO it helps when you have a family you don't want to keep anymore but that you can't terminate because they haven't done anything wrong. All you do is not renew. The contract is done and you move on.

[Neen]

It's obvious you are a good person and you want to help out. Unfortunately when you give an inch some parents will take a mile! Stick to your contract and refer back to it often so they realize they've agreed to your terms. It's not personal, its business.

[sandylynn]

I understand what everyone is saying...if someone leaves without paying for the week....I losse....My parents pay Monday morning for the current week....if they don't come with the money....on Monday morning....they have til Monday night...no money....no daycare...The MOST I will ever lose is 1 day pay....As far as going to small claims court...wouldn't do it for 1 day pay....I have my parents sign prescription/medication, in case of emergency forms etc. I just don't have a long contract per se....

[3rdtimesacharm]

But what about when a client decides they want to send child to a daycare centre just before they start school. The pay on monday for that week, then, on Friday afternoon they say, "oh, btw, this is dck's last day, he starts at a new place on Monday! So Long!". Well, you are now scrambelling to find a replacement to start asap as your income has suddenly been reduced by at least 20%.
If they were on a contract, they would be obligated to provide you with at least 2-3 weeks notice to terminate the agreement. Thus, allowing you a few weeks to start a new child.